Following Big Ten football games on Oct. 7, the offensive, defensive and special teams’ players of the week and freshman of the week in the Big Ten were announced this morning. Below are this week’s honorees.
Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Fr., RB, Salem, N.J./Salem
Rushed for a career-high 249 yards and two touchdowns to lead Wisconsin to a victory at Nebraska
Became the second true freshman in program history to record multiple 200-yard rushing games and the first since Ron Dayne in 1996
His 249 yards were the most by a Badger in a road game since Melvin Gordon rushed for 259 yards at Northwestern in 2014
Claims each award for the second time in his career
Last Wisconsin Offensive Player of the Week: Alex Hornibrook (Sept. 18, 2017)
Last Wisconsin Freshman of the Week: Jonathan Taylor (Sept. 11, 2017)
Defensive Player of the Week
Joe Bachie, Michigan State
So., LB, Brook Park, Ohio/Berea-Midpark
Tied for the team lead with 10 tackles, including six solo stops, as Michigan State defeated Michigan on the road in Ann Arbor
Recorded an 11-yard sack, his first career interception, a forced fumble and a pass break-up
His forced fumble in the first quarter led to Michigan State’s first touchdown of the game and gave the Spartans a lead they would not relinquish
Collects his first career Defensive Player of the Week honor
Last Michigan State Defensive Player of the Week: Jon Reschke (Nov. 23, 2015)
Special Teams Player of the Week
Ty Johnson, Maryland
Jr., RB, Cumberland, Md./Fort Hill
Registered his first career kick return touchdown with a 100-yard return in the first quarter at Ohio State
His touchdown marked the 37th 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in Big Ten history and the first since fellow Terp Will Likely did so against Iowa on Oct. 31, 2015
Averaged 31.5 yards per kickoff return on six attempts
Earns his first career Special Teams Player of the Week honor
Last Maryland Special Teams Player of the Week: Antoine Brooks (Sept. 4, 2017)
